Increasingly involved with projects, including overseeing the redecoration of the Houses of Parliament, Albert’s passion to improve life for Britain’s citizens saw him tour Birmingham, the ‘city of a thousand trades’ in November 1843, accompanied by Prime Minister Robert Peel. Social conscience: Albert’s determination to improve working-class lives Read more about: Kings and Queens The 'Godmother of Europe': Queen Victoria's family ties across the continent Senior parliamentary figures found Albert easier to deal with and a stabilising influence on Victoria who was regarded as petulant and temperamental. In his new role, he attended cabinet meetings, read important letters in the red dispatch box and was given his own key. He made his opening speech for the conference to a packed hall in and in one stroke vanquished the view of him as a clockwork Prince.Īfter this success, Albert began to feel he could make a difference as he made use of Victoria’s pregnancies to take on the role of her stand-in when dealing with Government business. Prince Albert took up the mantle to make a stand against slavery. The subject was too controversial for Queen Victoria to be openly seen to have an opinion. In 1807 slavery was abolished in Britain and 1834 banned across the empire, but globally it continued benefiting many British businesses. Britain’s association with such a barbaric industry had been in existence for 200 years. The organisers were keen to have a royal patron and the campaign was determined to bring an end to forced labour. Prince Albert’s first official public duty was on 12 June 1840 when he attended the world’s first Anti-Slavery Convention in London. Read more about: Kings and Queens The life of Queen Victoria: A queen in a man's world As time went by and Melbourne recognised Albert’s stabilising effect on an often moody and contrary Victoria, the two began to form a convivial friendship based on mutual respect and an acknowledgement of their mutual need. The change of heart saw Victoria becoming more confident in her husband’s abilities in his more prominent role in state affairs. That opportunity arose when Victoria became pregnant and while incapacitated by sickness agreed for Albert to help with some of her duties. This set the tone for an increasingly combative atmosphere in the royal household.Īlthough very much in love with Victoria,m an increasingly frustrated Albert felt that his wife was complicit in denying him a title and allowing him to share state business. The move angered Albert and resulted in a furious row between him and Victoria. Melbourne persuaded Victoria to suggest Albert accept the Prime Minister’s private secretary George Edward Anson. The first issue that arose between the two men was Albert's wish to bring his staff from Germany. Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, who enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, was loath to allow Prince Albert the means to interfere with political decisions. Read more about: British History What's coming up in 'Royal Mob' episode one?īattle Lines: Prince Albert and Lord MelbourneĪlbert was determined to grasp an opportunity to assert himself politically, despite Victoria's unwillingness to share power, keen to show that she was the monarch.
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